Arts Thread

The M.S. in Packaging Design, a degree first offered in 1966, educates students from diverse cultural, professional, and educational backgrounds in design thinking, technical skills, collaborative abilities, academic knowledge, and managerial competence. While focusing on creative problem solving, the curriculum is pragmatic and industry-oriented. Graduates enter the professional world with an outstanding body of work, prepared to become innovative leaders in the field of package design. The M.S. in Packaging Design is an initial master’s degree that offers students structured courses on the decision-making process for new product and packaging development, featuring courses in package design, typography, brand development, marketing, structural packaging, packaging technology, fragrance packaging, and the business aspects of the packaging industry. A minimum of 48 credits, which can be completed within two to three years of study, is required for the M.S. Packaging Design degree program. Students accepted into M.S. Packaging Design typically hold undergraduate degrees in graphic design or related design fields such as industrial or interior design, architecture, fine arts, or media arts. We welcome applicants from non-design fields as well, such as business, liberal arts, and the sciences. A qualifying program of up to an additional six credits of prerequisite classes may be required for applicants whose undergraduate backgrounds do not meet all entrance standards but whose applications indicate a strong aptitude for graduate study. For students with substantial graphic design experience the program—with courses ranging from structural packaging to visual communications to marketing—challenges their creativity to its furthest potential. A portfolio review is required for admission. Classes are offered both day and evening, and part-time attendance is optional.